THE CHRONICLE, Monday, July 28, 2025 - Page 1
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Calls for oral health training Page 4
Breaking down stigma
CLEARING THE WAY
Page 9
After Wangaratta saw 27.4mm of rainfall in the 48 hours to 9am Sunday, including peak wind gusts of 74km/h, local VICSES crews were kept busy clearing trees from rural city roads as parts of the King River experienced minor flooding.
Raining goals in the O&K
■ Story page 2
Sport
Costly noise control EPA limits noise on city business, but gym allowed to open longer and at greater capacity
A Wangaratta CBD fitness business has to wear the cost of implementing a noise limiter and other changes following objections made by nearby residents about audio levels. Costs to M&M X-Treme World of Fitness, located in a Commercial 1 Zone on Ely Street, have been estimated to exceed $10,000 since complaints were made. Other costs include structural works such as insulation and iron cladding to
BY STEVE KELLY
skelly@ nemedia.com.au
dampen sound, along with overheads attached to a planning permit amendment. The matter was heard at the July council meeting regarding three altered conditions in the existing permit relating to the hours of operation, number of patrons, and noise. Notice of the application
was given and seven objections and 15 letters of support were received. A change in hours will be implemented from 6amnoon and 5pm-7pm, to now 6am -8pm Monday to Sunday. More patrons will be allowed, rising from 10 to 25, unless otherwise agreed in writing by responsible authorities. The previous noise restriction was “no amplified music announcements
or broadcasts” beyond the property boundary of the land. Now M&M X-Treme fitness must comply with the EPA noise protocol that outlines the noise limits for indoor and outdoor entertainment venues. At the council meeting, public gallery member Wayne Stafford asked if there was a system that monitors noise emanating from a business. Council director sustain-
ability and culture Stephen Swart said there is a draft condition about installing a noise limiting device on this premises and there’s further conditions to tell council how that device is working. “This is all to ensure that the land use will comply with environmental protection authority regulations for noise,” he said. Mr Stafford also asked whether council has any regard to the financial implications for the applicants?
“I believe this condition (concerning noise) could be upwards of $10,000, given the amount of money that various parties have contributed towards this ongoing saga,” he said. “It’s just another dagger in the heart.” Mr Swart said they do consider whether the conditions they impose on permits are reasonable in the context of that specific application and land use. ■ Continued page 3
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